Jet Boat Rides and the Motel Del Rogue in Grants Pass, Oregon

Rogue River Oregon

Many years ago, after enjoying Crater Lake National Park, my mother, niece, and I drove to Grants Pass for the next leg of our vacation. We had reservations at the Motel Del Rogue and had read about the different options for Rogue River trips. Having already taken a couple of river rafting trips on other vacations, we decided to take a jet boat ride to see what that experience would be like.

August was the month of our visit and the weather was warm.

Water always seems alluring when the temperatures are high, and our motel was situated right on the banks of the Rogue River.

Rogue River photo taken on our jet boat ride. | Source

Motel Del Rogue

Prior to ever going on vacation, research must be done and reservations must be made. This is half the fun of vacationing! Getting to read about various places and seeing what they have to offer, and then deciding upon the choices is a pleasurable activity.

Of all the places to stay in Grants Pass, the Motel Del Rogue seemed most appealing. We were more than happy with our decision once we arrived. In fact, we always talked about going back there and spending more time.

The individual and rustic cabin-like units numbering just 16 overlook the Rogue River.

We did some hand washing of some of our clothing and with the dry conditions (at least it seemed that way to us...coming from the humidity in Houston, Texas) our clothing was dried very quickly which really made my mother happy.

Looking down at the Rogue River from our motel. | Source

Set on 2 acres of land, the trees and lawn leading down to the river present a pretty picture whether strolling the grounds or viewing the attractive scenery from one's private decking.

It is truly a homey atmosphere at Motel Del Rogue and it is understandable to find out that they have been in continual business ever since the 1930s.

Feeding Ducks

When my mother, niece and I would travel together each summer for a number of years we always chose to do some picnicking along the way to save some time and also help expenses.

Rogue River & Ducks | Source

Thus, when ducks were spotted on the Rogue River beneath our motel unit, some of our sandwich bread became a feast for the ducks and especially fun for my niece who enjoyed the sudden gathering of hungry birds vying for just the right position to catch those tossed pieces of bread.

Grants Pass Vacation

It is easy to see why people like coming to the small town of Grants Pass in southwestern Oregon for vacations.

While it is quite warm in the summer, water sports on the Rogue River provide much in the way of entertainment.

From swimming to boating to fishing...all can be easily enjoyed.

Winters are relatively mild and tourism has become an important source of income to those 34,000 plus or minus people who call Grants Pass home.

Lumbering used to be more predominant than it is today.

Residents are very friendly and eager to make one's vacation a memorable one.

The setting just couldn't be prettier!

Picnic in Riverside Park prior to our jet boat ride. | Source

Riverside Park

This park in Grants Pass is where one boards the jet boats and we had a 2 PM reservation.

The previous night we chose to eat at an Italian restaurant called R-Haus. It was close to where we were staying and it was also situated right on the Rogue River offering river views for diners.

My mother and I both ordered a halibut dinner and enjoyed some Oregon Chardonnay wine with it. My niece chose to eat a steak. We were all pleased with the food and decor of the place was charming.

So for lunch on this day we decided to have a picnic in Riverside Park.

Squirrels in Riverside Park | Source

There were many friendly squirrels hovering nearby looking at us as we lunched, and sure enough...they were most happy to join in our repast.

My niece feeding squirrels in Riverside Park | Source

Obviously they are used to being fed by other people who have picnics in this same park. My niece was happy to oblige the furry critters.

Rogue River from the Jet Boat | Source

Jet Boat Rides

The company that we chose for our jet boat ride was Rogue River Hellgate Excursions.

We didn't know quite what to expect never having ridden on a jet boat previously but we were game to try something new! We just knew that the scenery would be spectacular!

One can choose rides which include lunch or even dinner or just rides without food involved. Obviously we choose the latter.

Our captain. What a great summer job this would be for college students! Rogue River views from jet boat ride | Source

The Rogue River is quite serene and almost glass-like with small ripples at first. The reflections from the banks of the river are striking.

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Such gorgeous scenery! Rogue River views from jet boat ride | Source

Rogue River views from jet boat ride | Source

River Jet Boat

These jet boats have powerful engines and can skim along in places where most other boats could not navigate. All they need are a few inches of water in which to operate.

The Rogue River is calm and glass-like at times and can also offer some challenging areas of whitewater rapids for the most intrepid of river boaters or rafters.

We would see some of both on the jet boat ride that we took.

Jet boating on the Rogue River from Grants Pass, Oregon

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Jet boating close to the banks of the river at times. | Source

A little more turbulence ahead! | Source

And some whitewater! | Source

Osprey Birds

In addition to being taken on this jet boat ride and getting to see beautiful scenery, we were also given information about some of the wildlife spotted along the banks of the Rogue River.

We saw several osprey nests high up in the forks of dead trees.

Since fish constitutes about 99% of their diet, they are often spotted along fresh water rivers such as this and these raptor birds are located in many parts of the world. They take a while to mature and do not start reproducing until 4 or even 5 years of age. We were told that ospreys mate for life.

Osprey nest on the top of the tree. | Source

Blue herons and many other birds were spotted and pointed out.

On each trip there is the chance to see different forms of wildlife and the captains of these jet boats keep on the lookout so that they can point these things out to patrons riding in their boats making for an even more interesting ride.

Rogue Rafting

For the adventurous of spirit, we saw quite a few people navigating the Rogue River in rafts.

These people in the picture below had obviously pulled over for a bit of a rest. The rocks provided a nice perch for them to watch the comings and goings of other watercraft making their way past this spot on the river.

Rogue River Scenery in This Area

Some people were taking a break from rafting. | Source

More of the Rogue River scenery in this area. | Source

Hellgate Canyon

The turn around point for our jet boat ride was Hellgate Canyon.

The rocks close in on the narrowed river and the cliffs are up to 100 feet high at this point. Apparently beyond this point the rapids can become quite impressive.

The movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was filmed for one of the scenes at this very spot on the Rogue River.

Thanks for tagging along and looking at these pictures taken on our Grants Pass vacation portion of our Oregon trip. The Motel Del Rogue is undoubtedly still laying out the welcome sign for guests in this beautiful and rustic vacation spot.

Rogue River trips await your discovery and jet boat rides are fun as we discovered. Hope you enjoyed this look at this scenic area in southwestern Oregon. Happy and safe travels wherever you decide to go!

Comments are welcomed!

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Author

Peggy Woods 23 months agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Susie,

I hope you get the chance to go to Grants Pass someday. It is a beautiful part of Oregon. That state is loaded with so much beauty!

Susie Lehto 23 months agofrom Minnesota

I have never been to Grants Pass, but have heard about how beautiful it is from friends who have been there. It looks and sounds like an area that would feed my soul and keep me grounded, like my present surroundings do. If I ever get a chance, I would go and take it in.

Author

Peggy Woods 4 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Mary,

It would be lovely to be able to live in Oregon with all of that fantastic scenery. If your daughter could earn a living there, I don't blame her! Thanks for the share, pin, etc. :)

Mary Hyatt 4 years agofrom Florida

My daugher has been to Oregon twice and just raves about it. She would love to go there permantly. Her daughter went to Eugene to years ago and stayed! It really is beautiful country. I enjoyed reading about the Rogue River, too. Your photographs are outstanding!

Voted UP, etc. shared and Pinned.

Author

Peggy Woods 5 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Au fait,

I'll admit, I miss those summer vacations that I used to take with my mother and niece. We did see some fabulous areas. This was my first and only (to date) jet boat ride on the Rogue River. Grants Pass is a lovely area as is most of the State of Oregon. If you ever get a chance, do put Oregon on your list for vacations. It is so beautiful and has an abundance of natural beauty. Thanks for the votes, 5 star rating and the share.

C E Clark 5 years agofrom North Texas

The Rogue River and Hellgate Canyon photos are especially beautiful. You are so lucky to have been able to see these places first hand! Oregon is one of the dozen states I've never had the opportunity to visit. Your photos and videos certainly make it look inviting and you have so much good information here too.

Voting this up, BUI, 5 more stars, and will share!

Author

Peggy Woods 5 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Dawnrichard,

Thank you so much for the compliment, the 5 star rating and your comment. Jetboating on the Rogue River was so much fun!!!

Dawnrichard 5 years ago

I love this hub too and rate your hub for 5 star rating. You are an awesome writer.

Dawnrichard

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hello celeBritys4africA,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed these photos of the jet boat rides on Rogue River Trips in Grants Pass, Oregon. It is a beautiful spot! Thanks for your comment.

celeBritys4africA 6 years agofrom Las Vegas, NV

Voted up. The phots are inspiring and very tempting.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Hello, hello,

Grants Pass and the Rogue River certainly is a beautiful place on earth. Glad that you enjoyed this about jet boat rides in that locale.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Cheryl,

Grants Pass and the Rogue River jet boat rides was a great discovery for us while on vacation in Oregon. My mother absolutely loved that place!!! Thanks for your comment.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi dahoglund,

My memory wouldn't be that good if it were not for the fact of putting together photo album/scrapbooks right after each vacation. Also daily notes were taken while on vacation. It makes one heck of a souvenir when completed and is good reference material now for writing hubs.

Taking a vacation and wandering where the road leads could also be a fun way to travel. Thanks for the comment.

Hello, hello, 6 years agofrom London, UK

A wonderful piece on earth. Surrounded by so much beauty why can't people just enjoy tehir short life?

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Micky,

These vacations were long ago, but happy to be able to share them with you since the scenery does not change. God bless you.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hello mdlawyer,

Thanks for the votes and comment. Glad you liked this look at the Rogue River by way of a jet boat ride.

Cheryl J. 6 years agofrom Houston, TX

Peggy,

I love the serenity of the water and your expression of your Grants Pass and Rogue River vacation. This is my kind of place. Beautiful photos and interesting videos of Oregon. Great hub.

Don A. Hoglund 6 years agofrom Wisconsin Rapids

I am not a planner like you. If I take a vacation ideally I would like to just wander where the road leads, so to speak. Very seldom able to do that though. You also must keep excellent notes because I usually can hardly remember where I have been.I'll admit it was easier when I was young.

It does give you a chance to use your camera to good effect.

Vote thies up and beautiful.

Micky Dee 6 years ago

Oh Peggy- thank you again for another "vacation". The only way some of us can go - is with you. God bless you Peggy.

mdlawyer 6 years ago

Peggy, excellent coverage. Gorgeous pics. Voted Up and rated awesome.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Simone,

Glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for the comment.

Simone Haruko Smith 6 years agofrom San Francisco

What a charming place! Loved the photos :D

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hello Tamila,

Happy to be able to welcome you to HubPages. Hope you enjoy it here as much as I do. You will find as you read and leave comments on other people's hubs, that more and more people will discover your hubs. I always make it a point to go and read someone's hub when I get a comment on one of mine. Glad that you liked this hub about the jet boat rides on the rogue river in Grants Pass. Thanks for the comment.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Gene,

Grants Pass and the Rogue River would make for a beautiful vacation destination for you and your lovely wife. Have you ever visited Oregon? The entire state (for that matter) is really gorgeous. Thanks for your comment.

Tamila Roberts 6 years agofrom Canada

That was a terrific hub. Nice images and sky worthy of mention. Thanks for this. Also, I'm glad your the first person to comment on my hubpage profile and welcome me. Thank you

Gene Jasper 6 years ago

Gorgeous scenery and fine photographs, Peggy. I'd love to have the opportunity to visit one of these days.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hello Eiddwen,

If you are bookmarking all the travel hubs, you will have quite a library! I still have more to write! Like you, I love the outdoors and nature. Thanks for the votes and comment.

Eiddwen 6 years agofrom Wales

Hi Peggy,

This is so beautiful, I am learning so much since I joined HP.

I love the outdoors, nature /wildlife so this one is such a treat.

I push all the buttons and rate up.

I am bookmarking all the travelling hubs you have published on here.

Take care

Eiddwen.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Charlu,

Wish we had gone back when my mother was alive. She fell in love with this place! Imagine camping and hiking in this area! That would also be fun. The Rogue River is definitely the star attraction in Grants Pass.

Thanks for reading and leaving your nice comment and votes.

Charlu 6 years agofrom Florida

Excellent hub. Charles was right between the photos, video, and your description it's almost like being there.

It looks so serene there, like all your cares and troubles could just wash down the river. Beautiful,useful, and up

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hello leahlefler,

Although there is beauty in each and every state, I have to admit, heading west offers such spectacular beauty that it is hard to beat. Oregon is spectacular! Thanks for your comment.

Author

Peggy Woods 6 years agofrom Houston, Texas

Hi Charles,

I doubt that we are going very far away from Houston this year also. But that doesn't stop me from reliving memories of great trips like this one to Oregon years ago. Glad that you liked seeing this and thanks for your comment.

Leah Lefler 6 years agofrom Western New York

I love the photos! I really love traveling, and wish we were closer to the West Coast and the beautiful scenery out there.

Charles Criner 6 years ago

Hello Peggy, and thanks for a great vacation. I won't be able to take one physically this year. However, through your great discriptions and photographs I can enjoy yours.